Sometimes I get weary and
despondent. It appears that my labors in the gospel are vain. My preaching
often falls upon deaf ears. The outward, visible results of our ministry are
disappointing. Part of this despondency arises from sinful pride. The other
part has its roots in sinful unbelief. These feelings of despondency are
contrary to the gospel of the grace of God, dishonoring to Christ our Lord, and
damaging to the testimony of the gospel. Our Lord knew that as long as we were
in this world, being weak and sinful men, we would be terribly prone to
anxiety, self-pity, and feelings of emptiness and uselessness. Therefore, he
gave us this gentle word of comfort - "Let not your hearts be troubled: ye
believe in God, believe also in me."
Beloved, in spite of the way things often appear, you
and I have every reason to be optimistic, encouraged, hopeful, and confident
regarding the work of the gospel. Our Savior, that One for whose honor we labor
and whose will we seek to obey, Sits Upon The Throne Of Universal Dominion. He
is the sovereign Lord and King of all things; and he reigns in the serenity of
total control. The gospel which we preach is HIS GOSPEL. It is from him.
It is about him. It is preached upon his authority. And it shall not return to
him void. Sovereign power attends the preaching of the gospel, so that it is
sure to accomplish his purpose. Our God and King IS
PERFORMING HIS WILL. Sometimes it does not appear, in our eyes, to be so,
but God is doing, and shall do, all his pleasure. He is governing all things
according to his will. I do not know what the Lord's purpose for me in this
life is. I do not know why he has been pleased to put me in the work of the
gospel. But of this I am certain, God himself has sent me forth as his
messenger in this generation, and whatever he intends to do with me for his
glory, HE WILL DO IT! I know also that God has a people in this world whom he is determined to save; and GOD WILL SAVE ALL HIS
PEOPLE. I do not know what God's purpose and plan is for our generation;
but I do know that in the end two things will ultimately be accomplished - ALL
OF GOD'S ELECT SHALL BE SAVED and JESUS CHRIST THE LORD SHALL BE GLORIFIED.
And whatever the Lord is pleased to do in the meantime will be best for me and
best for all his people. We have no reason for despair, but every reason for
expectation (I Cor.